how to change an outdoor light fixture

how to change an outdoor light fixture

Planning the style and placement of your light fixtures is too important to leave to someone else. You need to be involved, and before you make any decisions you need to think about:

• Where you will need the most light
• Ease of use of different styles of fixtures
• Where you want to spend money on designer fixtures

Pay special attention to the kitchen and bath. While other rooms allow you to place a lamp near your favorite reading chair, the kitchen and bathroom don’t offer that luxury, so plan ahead for sufficient light. The bathroom vanity needs good light for shaving and makeup application. The bathroom might also need good light over the tub if you love to read a book while soaking in a bubble bath.  

Good lighting in kitchen work spaces will make the difference between enjoying your kitchen and feeling annoyed every time you cook after dark. If you’re installing can lights, be sure to instruct the contractor and the electrician to place them just outside the cabinet doors, so their light falls on the counters and not on the back of your head. You may also want under-cabinet lighting in key areas. If you’ll have a work island, remember to place a fixture above it, too. 

If you’ll have a chandelier over your dining area, go over the plans carefully and even draw the space out on the ground and draw your table and chairs in place. You don’t want to have to move your dining table into an awkward location because the chandelier was hung 2 feet too close or too far from the wall. Remember to account for the diameter of the chandelier while planning. 

Consider your exterior lighting as well. You’ll want adequate illumination at all entrances as well as lighting for areas you’ll use after dark. If you’ll have a patio, think about where you’ll relax on a summer evening, and where the barbecue grill will sit. You’ll want to see what you’re doing while you’re flipping those burgers!     

Remember that these decisions need to be made just as soon as the framing is complete – and if your choices are unusual, they need to be made before the electrical contractor submits a bid. Once the wires are in the walls, changing anything will cost you plenty.  

Now look at the fixtures themselves. Some can lights offer easy access to change bulbs, and others are an exercise in frustration. Some will allow you to use standard bulbs, or the energy saving fluorescents, and others require bulbs that cost $5 and up apiece.  

Some are sturdy construction and others are held together with flimsy clips that break and fall out – leaving you with a lopsided fixture. If you purchase the kind with clips, require the contractor to install all 4 – not just 2 to hold it together until he gets his money and gets out the door. (This happened to me, because I was too trusting.)  

Standard ceiling fixtures come in many styles as well. Check to see how easy it will be to get the fixture apart and put back together again when you have to change a bulb.    

And speaking of that – when you’re planning placement, make sure you can get to the fixture when it’s time to change a bulb. I’ve seen light fixtures over the high end of a stairwell that are extremely difficult to access. Not all homeowners keep 14′ ladders in the garage, so they have to call for help or rent a ladder just to change a bulb. Not fun!

Lastly, if your lighting fixtures are a part of your decor, those designer fixtures need to fit into the budget. This is something to go over with your contractor at the beginning, because most will allow only for standard fixtures. No crystal chandeliers included! 

Decide which fixtures are important to your overall decor and thus which you’re willing to spend extra for. Talk with your contractor about the overall lighting fixture budget and work out an arrangement that allows you to purchase some key fixtures yourself in return for a credit. Then, be sure to have those fixtures on the job site before the day scheduled for installation. 

While you’re looking at light fixtures, be sure to check the plans for proposed electrical outlet locations. If in doubt about placement – pay a little extra to have more outlets placed around each room.   

Streamlight 73001 Nano Light Miniature Keychain LED Flashlight, Black $3.75 FEATURES Easily attaches to just about anything with pocket clip or key ring: 1 Up to 8 hours run time: 2 Machined aircraft grade aluminum with anodized finish: 3 Uses 4 alkaline button cell batteries included: 4 White LED bulb with 10 lumens: 5 Weatherproof: 6 Includes a non-rotating snap hook for easy one handed operation when atta...

10 pcs JC 12v G4 10W Halogen Light bulbs $0.49 3000 k. color temperature G4 base Clear glass...

Feit Electric BPXN20/G8/3 Xenon 20-Watt, 120-Volt G8 Base, 3 Pack $7.99 This is a 3 pieces pack of XENON HALOGEN BULB 20 watts 120 volts JCD G8 Bi-Pin base clear finishFeatures: - New Xenon technology- White - cooler - longer life- Bi-pin, G8 base- Great for accent lighting, display or task lights- 20 Watt - 120 volt- Replaces American Lighting Part # LXCP-20BP...

Multi-Color E27 LED Light Bulb with Remote $4.00 Light-emitting diodes are darn cool and have found uses in so many places - traffic lights, standard lightbulb sockets and high-powered flashlights to name a few. The Multi-Color LED Lightbulb is a super bright LED bulb that can transition through dozens of color and rightness combinations and is compatible with a standard lightbulb socket. The included IR remote can select an individual color or ...

TCP 14-Watt Soft White Compact Fluorescent Flood Light Bulb (6 Pack) $19.99 6 Pack of R30 Compact Fluorescent Bulbs; Wattage: 14 Watts; Incandescent Equivalent: 65 Watts; Color Temperature: 2700K / Soft White; Base: Medium; Lumens: 650; Average Life: 8,000 Hours; Energy Star Listed...

Hunter 21627 Palermo 52-Inch Fan, Brushed Nickel $203.00 The Hunter Palermo 52-Inch Ceiling Fan lets you circulate air with style. By combining the beauty of 19th-century craftsmanship and 21st-century technology, this Energy Star-rated ceiling fan integrates well with any decor and can save you up to 47% on cooling costs when used instead of a traditional air conditioner.Meeting Energy Star standards, the fan shaves up to 33-percent off energy bills wh...

Goalrilla Deluxe Basketball Hoop Light $189.00 At Goalrilla, we know how important basketball court lighting is when that late afternoon game stretches into the night. So, we developed a basketball spotlight that lights the court and not the players' eyes. The Goalrilla basketball hoop light design is patented-- that means it's the only basketball hoop light that extends out and over the court. This allows light to flood the court and not shin...

IMSI FloorPlan 3D Home Design Suite Version 10 $39.99 FloorPlan 3D Design Suite 10 is a superior collection of tools for customizing, visualizing, and planning entire home-design projects -- from concept to completion. Work with over 1,000 customizable home plans, online 3D kitchen showroom & 1900 pre-drawn 3D symbols. It's also got an option to design and edit in 2D and 3D. View your design in stunning realism with gorgeous, realistic 3D walkthrough...

Streamlight Nano Light Miniature Keychain LED Flashlight Truly tiny, the Nanolight is a weatherproof, personal flashlight featuring a 100,000 hour life LED. Includes a non-rotating snap hook for easy one handed operation when attached to a keychain....

Ontel SCN-MC12 Stick 'N' Click Set of 3 Peel and Stick LED Lights $4.97 Now 30% brighter. Quick & easy light, anywhere! Bright white LED lights. Up to 100 hours of light on a single set of batteries (based on use with alkaline batteries). No tool required - Peel & stick backing. Each light requires 3 AAA batteries (not included). Great for: Home; Auto; Outdoors; Under kitchen cabinets; Under sinks; Handy flashlight emergencies; Kid's rooms night stand; Dog leashes; Dr...

LEDwholesalers LED replacements for Malibu Landscape light 6 LED SMD SMT 194 T10 Wedge Base Warm White 12V AC DC, 1407WW $7.49 A great way to update the look of your Malibu Landscape light. This bulb replaces 194 (T10) and wedge type bulbs, path light perfect for 6 Super bright high power surface mount LEDs...

Bulbrite 715220 - JC20XE/12 - 20 Watt Xenon Bi-Pin Light Bulb, 12 Volt, T-3, G4 Base $2.49 Xenon light bulbs may be used to replace Halogen light bulbs in all applications. Xenon bulbs burn cooler, last for 4x as long as standard halogen, produce bright white light, and may be touched with bare hands when changing....

Feit Electric BPXN20/G8/3 Xenon 20-Watt, 120-Volt G8 Base, 3 Pack $7.99 This is a 3 pieces pack of XENON HALOGEN BULB 20 watts 120 volts JCD G8 Bi-Pin base clear finishFeatures: - New Xenon technology- White - cooler - longer life- Bi-pin, G8 base- Great for accent lighting, display or task lights- 20 Watt - 120 volt- Replaces American Lighting Part # LXCP-20BP...

10 pcs JC 12v G4 10W Halogen Light bulbs $0.49 3000 k. color temperature G4 base Clear glass...

Multi-Color E27 LED Light Bulb with Remote $4.00 Light-emitting diodes are darn cool and have found uses in so many places - traffic lights, standard lightbulb sockets and high-powered flashlights to name a few. The Multi-Color LED Lightbulb is a super bright LED bulb that can transition through dozens of color and rightness combinations and is compatible with a standard lightbulb socket. The included IR remote can select an individual color or ...

TCP 14-Watt Soft White Compact Fluorescent Flood Light Bulb (6 Pack) $19.99 6 Pack of R30 Compact Fluorescent Bulbs; Wattage: 14 Watts; Incandescent Equivalent: 65 Watts; Color Temperature: 2700K / Soft White; Base: Medium; Lumens: 650; Average Life: 8,000 Hours; Energy Star Listed...

Hunter 21627 Palermo 52-Inch Fan, Brushed Nickel $203.00 Hunter combines 19th century craftsmanship with 21st century design and technology to create ceiling fans of unmatched quality, style, and whisper-quiet performance. Using the finest materials to create stylish designs, Hunter ceiling fans work beautifully in todays homes and can save up to 47% on cooling costs!...

Goalrilla Deluxe Basketball Hoop Light $189.00 At Goalrilla, we know how important basketball court lighting is when that late afternoon game stretches into the night. So, we developed a basketball spotlight that lights the court and not the players' eyes. The Goalrilla basketball hoop light design is patented-- that means it's the only basketball hoop light that extends out and over the court. This allows light to flood the court and not shin...

LEDwholesalers LED replacements for Malibu Landscape light 6 LED SMD SMT 194 T10 Wedge Base Warm White 12V AC DC, 1407WW $7.49 A great way to update the look of your Malibu Landscape light. This bulb replaces 194 (T10) and wedge type bulbs, path light perfect for 6 Super bright high power surface mount LEDs...

Bulbrite 715220 - JC20XE/12 - 20 Watt Xenon Bi-Pin Light Bulb, 12 Volt, T-3, G4 Base $2.49 Xenon light bulbs may be used to replace Halogen light bulbs in all applications. Xenon bulbs burn cooler, last for 4x as long as standard halogen, produce bright white light, and may be touched with bare hands when changing....

IMSI FloorPlan 3D Home Design Suite Version 10 $39.99 FloorPlan 3D Design Suite 10 is a superior collection of tools for customizing, visualizing, and planning entire home-design projects -- from concept to completion. Work with over 1,000 customizable home plans, online 3D kitchen showroom & 1900 pre-drawn 3D symbols. It's also got an option to design and edit in 2D and 3D. View your design in stunning realism with gorgeous, realistic 3D walkthrough...

Streamlight Nano Light Miniature Keychain LED Flashlight Truly tiny, the Nanolight is a weatherproof, personal flashlight featuring a 100,000 hour life LED. Includes a non-rotating snap hook for easy one handed operation when attached to a keychain....

Ledra LED Spot Light by Bruck Lighting Systems $180 For excellent adjustability and rotation in a spotlighting fixture, the Bruck Lighting Ledra LED Spot Light tops the list. Featuring a 360 degree rotation and 90 degree tilt, it doesn't matter how many times you change your decor--the spotlight can perfectly adjust to your needs. Available in two finishes. Bruck Lighting, located in Tustin, CA, creates beautiful lighting products using pioneering innovation, design, and engineering. The Bruck Lighting Ledra LED Spot Light is available with the following: Details: Head rotates 360 degreesTilt 90 degreesMetal supportsRound ceiling canopy2" J-box and LED DriverETL ListedUL ListedEnergy EfficientOptions:Color: Warm White, or White.Finish: Bronze, or Matte Chrome (shown).Lamp: Flood Light, Medium, or Spot.Lighting: One 3 Watt 120 Volt LED lamp (included). Shipping: This item usually ships within 1 - 2 weeks. Dimensions: Head: Diameter 1.25 In.

Fan/Light Dual Slider Control by Kichler $33.2 Say goodbye to hard-to-reach pull chains--with the Kichler Fan/Light Dual Slider Control, change the brightness of a lighting fixture and speed of a fan with a simple slide of hand. Offers 4 fan speeds and a full range dimmer. Available in three neutral colors. Since 1938, Cleveland-based Kichler Lighting has created exceptional lighting in a variety of styles, finishes, colors and designs. With a diverse collection of indoor and outdoor lighting in classic and contemporary styles, Kichler Lighting always focuses on making home lighting that is both beautiful and functional. The Kichler Fan Light Dual Slider Control is available with the following: Details:4-speed controlsFull range dimmerUL ListedOptions:Finish: Ivory, Almond, or White (shown).Shipping: This item usually ships in 3-5 days.

A-Line Outdoor Wall Sconce with T- Bar by Arroyo Craftsman $246 The A-Line Outdoor Wall Sconce by Arroyo Craftsman features a decorative "T- bar" shade overlay for a rustic look, a gracefully curved arm/hook and a finely finished back plate. All applied metal finishes will continue to mature and change with time. Arroyo Craftsman, located in Baldwin Park, CA, handcrafts and custom-finishes lighting products for residential and commercial applications. The Arroyo Craftsman A-Line Outdoor Wall Sconce with T-Bar is available with the following: Details: Glass shadeBrass supportsT-bar designUL Listed for damp locations. Install indoors or in protected, fully covered outdoor locations. Using UL Listings to help select the right product for your space.Made in the USAOptions: Finish: Antique Brass, Antique Copper (shown), Bronze, Graphite, Mission Brown, Pewter, Raw Copper, Rustic Brown, Satin Black or Verdigris PatinaGlass: Almond Mica, Amber Mica (shown), Clear Seedy, Cream, Frosted, Gold White Iridescent, Off White, Rain Mist, Tan or White OpalescentLighting: One 60 Watt 110 Volt A-19 Medium Incandescent lamp (not included). Shipping: This is a custom product, made-to-order. For information regarding return or cancellation of custom products, please see our Terms and Conditions. Dimensions: Back Plate: Height 6 in., Width 4 in. Fixture: Width 4.75 in., Overall Height 9 in., Height 7.875 in., Depth 4.75 in. Projection: Depth 7.625 in.

Halley Outdoor Light by Vibia $2525 Like a comet streaking across the night sky, the innovative Vibia Halley Outdoor Light shines a beam of LED light over outdoor tables, walkways and more. The flexible, highly durable and lightweight Halley Outdoor Light is offered in 3 accommodating models: Floor-to-Clamp, Floor-to-Floor, or Floor-to-Wall. Link several models together by placing one floor ring inside the other. Vibia, headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, designs and manufactures modern and contemporary lighting and living accessories. The entire Vibia line features works by prominent designers known for superb European lighting. The Vibia Halley Outdoor Light is available with the following: Details:Frosted polycarbonate diffuserMetal baseMatte Black finishCord and plug24V in-line transformerStorage bag includedSections easily snap together with a click and lock button systemEnergy efficientETL Listed for wet locationsMade in SpainDesigned by Jordi Vilardell and Meritxell VidalOptions:Shape: Floor-to-Clamp, Floor-to-Floor, or Floor-to-Wall.Lighting: 21.6 Watt 120 Volt LED lamps (included). Shipping: This item usually ships within five business days. Dimensions: Fixture: Height 78.75 In., Width 99.25 In. Base: Overall Diameter 19.75 In.

Mia Serata Outdoor Mood Light by Twist Lighting $560 Mother Nature's unruly stepchild. The Twist Lighting Mia Serata Outdoor Mood Light is an abstract take on the pine tree, its rotomoulded body glowing with bright, attractive light. Choose from two sizes or pair Large (60") and Small (36") together for a unique forest in the yard. Based out of Quebec, Canada, Twist Lighting is known for their decorative outdoor lighting and furniture pieces that harmonize with the surrounding landscape. They offer a contemporary "twist", if you will, to Mother Nature's home. The Twist Lighting Mia Serata Outdoor Mood Light is available with the following: Details:White colorRotomoulded polyethylene constructionPlugs in to standard outlet with screw base socket6 foot cordWeather resistantEnergy efficientOptional anchoring system available. Please call Customer Service at 877.445.4486 to order.UL Listed for wet locationsOptions:Size: Large, or Small.Lighting: One 15 Watt 120 Volt Fluorescent lamp (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships within 1-2 weeks. Dimensions: Small Fixture: Width 20 In., Height 36 In. Large Fixture: Width 24 In., Height 60 In.

Lightfall Outdoor Post Light Square by Hubbardton Forge $710 The Hubbardton Forge Lightfall Outdoor Post Light Square imparts a heartwarming elegance to your outdoors while beautifully blending traditional charm with modern composure. The Lightfall Outdoor Outdoor Post Light Square features hand-forged wrought-iron, ceramic and Opaque Dark Smoke finish. Hubbardton Forge, headquartered in Hubbardton, Vermont, hand-forges simple and elegant metal lighting fixtures and accessories, combining ancient hand-forging techniques with environmentally-sound finishing practices. The Hubbardton Forge Lightfall Outdoor Outdoor Post Light Square is available with the following: Included Features:Post included.Ceramic diffuser.Hand-forged wrought-iron body.Opaque Dark Smoke finish.UL Listed for wet locations.Options:Glass: Sandstone Ceramic, or Shale Ceramic (shown).Lighting: One 100 Watt 120 Volt Type A Medium Base Incandescent lamp (not included). Please Note: This item is hand-forged by master craftsmen and includes hand-blown glass. As a result, variations in finish appearance and small blemishes, bubbles, and variations in the color of the glass are a normal and desired result of handcrafted processes. Shipping: This item usually ships within 1 -2 weeks. Dimensions: Fixture: Height 8.4 In., Width 7.6 In., Depth 10.5 In. Diffuser: Length 4.63 In., Height 5.6 In., Width 4.63 In. Post: Height 36 In., Width 1.5 In.

36-Watt Par 36 Outdoor Well Light by Kichler $59 Discrete and versatile outdoor lighting. The Kichler Lighting 36-Watt Par 36 Outdoor Well Light comes with a reversible polycarbonate support sleeve that accommodates both direct uplighting when installed flush or angled lighting when installed semi-recessed. The stainless steel yoke and silicone rubber lamp support clips hold the light securely at the desired angle. Since 1938, Cleveland-based Kichler Lighting has created exceptional lighting in a variety of styles, finishes, colors and designs. With a diverse collection of indoor and outdoor lighting in classic and contemporary styles, Kichler Lighting always focuses on making home lighting that is both beautiful and functional. The Kichler Lighting 36-Watt Par 36 Outdoor Well Light is available with the following: Details:Black finishPolycarbonate ground support sleeveStainless steel yokeSilicone rubber lamp support clips42" lead wireCable connector includedLow-voltageUL Listed for wet locationsLighting: One 36 Watt 12 Volt Low-voltage Incandescent lamp (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships in 3-5 days. Dimensions: Fixture: Height 8 In., Diameter 5.5 In.

Lightfall Outdoor Post Light by Hubbardton Forge $722 The Hubbardton Forge Lightfall Outdoor Post Light will enhance the distinctive character of your decor while going well with your modern or traditional settings. The Lightfall Outdoor Post Light features hand-forged wrought-iron, ceramic and Opaque Dark Smoke finish. Post Sold Separately. Hubbardton Forge, headquartered in Hubbardton, Vermont, hand-forges simple and elegant metal lighting fixtures and accessories, combining ancient hand-forging techniques with environmentally-sound finishing practices. The Hubbardton Forge Lightfall Outdoor Post Light is available with the following: Included Features: Ceramic diffuser. Hand-forged wrought-iron body.Opaque Dark Smoke finish.UL Listed for wet locations.Options:Glass: Iron Ore Ceramic, or Mojave Ceramic (shown).Lighting: One 100 Watt 120 Volt Type A Medium Base Incandescent lamp (not included). Please Note: This item is hand-forged by master craftsmen and includes hand-blown glass. As a result, variations in finish appearance and small blemishes, bubbles, and variations in the color of the glass are a normal and desired result of handcrafted processes. Shipping: This item usually ships within 1 -2 weeks. Dimensions: Fixture: Height 8.9 In., Width 10.5 In., Depth 10.5 In. Diffuser: Length 6 In., Height 6 In., Width 6 In.

Franklin Outdoor Multi-Light Pendant by Arroyo Craftsman $1006 A strong look for the Mission-styled home, the Arroyo Craftsman Franklin Outdoor Multi-Light Pendant adds an attractive, artistic element to porches and patios. Its handmade glass style options and various organic finishes create a natural aesthetic whether turned on or off. All in all, a well-crafted design Frank Lloyd Wright would be proud of. Arroyo Craftsman, located in Baldwin Park, CA, handcrafts and custom-finishes lighting products for residential and commercial applications. The Arroyo Craftsman Franklin Outdoor Multi-Light Pendant is available with the following: Details: 3 handmade glass shadesBrass constructionRectangular ceiling canopyUL Listed for damp locations. Install indoors or in protected, fully covered outdoor locations. Using UL Listings to help select the right product for your space.Made in the USAOptions: Glass: Green-Black, Yellow-Black (shown), or Yellow-Green.Finish: Antique Copper, Bronze (shown), Mission Brown, Pewter, or Satin Black.Lighting: Three 60 Watt 120 Volt Medium Base Incandescent lamps (not included). Shipping: This is a custom product, made-to-order. For information regarding return or cancellation of custom products, please see our Terms and Conditions. Dimensions: Ceiling Canopy: Length 36 In., Width 6 In. Fixture: Width 37 In., Height 12 In., Overall Height 35.25 In.

Rook Outdoor Post Light by Hubbardton Forge $542 The Hubbardton Forge Rook Outdoor Post Light provides both warm illumination and a sleek yet rustic look ideal for modern exteriors. It features a cylindrical glass shade held within a simple aluminum base. Available in a variety of shade glass colors and metal finishes to complement outdoor color schemes. Post not included. Hubbardton Forge, headquartered in Hubbardton, Vermont, hand-forges simple and elegant metal lighting fixtures and accessories, combining ancient hand-forging techniques with environmentally-sound finishing practices. The Hubbardton Forge Rook Outdoor Post Light is available with the following: Details:Cylindrical glass shadeAluminum constructionIncludes a 3" diameter post fitterPost not includedUL Listed for wet locationsOptions:Finish: Black, Natural Iron, Opaque Bronze, Opaque Burnished Steel, Opaque Dark Smoke, or Opaque Mahogany.Shade: Opal, Pearl, or Stone.Lighting: One 100 Watt 120 Volt Type A19 Medium Base Incandescent lamp (not included). Please Note: This item is hand-forged by master craftsmen and includes hand-blown glass. As a result, variations in finish appearance and small blemishes, bubbles, and variations in the color of the glass are a normal and desired result of handcrafted processes. Shipping: This item usually ships within 2-3 weeks. Dimensions: Fixture: Diameter 6.5 In., Height 22.6 In. Shade: Diameter 5.32 In., Height 16.73 In.

How can I convert the “innards” of a standard light to use with my low voltage outdoor system?

I want to use a standard outdoor post light but change the socket and wires so that I can connect it to my low voltage circuit and use a 10-25 w low voltage bulb. BTW, I’m replacing a fixture that is too old and decrepit to fix. It used a double pin bayonet type bulb.

I am pretty sure that you can buy the “head” for a post mount light that is used with low voltage. Check that out and if you want to keep your same head, you just use the innards from the new head.

Your existing wires might work, but I would rather use new wire. You don’t have to trench it down, it only needs to be covered. You can always go along the sidewalk edge to the transformer.